Elective caesarean ? the options to consider.
3 comments
Want to have a Caesarean? Christine Hill on the advantages and disadvantages of C-sections.
More women than ever before are choosing to have a Caesarean section rather than go through labour. Some people view this rise in Caesarean figures with concern – probably on the grounds that it's not ‘natural’. When all goes well, a vaginal delivery can be a very emotionally satisfying and wonderful experience. For some women, childbirth is the most fulfilling thing they will ever do. Clearly not all women feel the same way and studies show you don’t have to experience labour pains or natural childbirth in order to fall in love with your baby.
It is not unusual to feel nervous about labour and birth, but these anxieties tend to subside as the weeks go by. If, however, you really feel that normal vaginal birth is not for you – yes, it is possible to have an elective Caesarean. But you should know what you are letting yourself in for.
A Caesarean section is when the baby is delivered through an incision in the abdominal wall and uterus. It is a surgical procedure and involves an operation, which normally takes place in a hospital operating theatre. You will have to sign an informed consent form, as you would before any operation.
Delivering a baby by Caesarean section rather than by normal childbirth is more expensive for the hospital
The idea that an otherwise fit and healthy woman who is capable of giving birth vaginally might, for her own reasons, choose to have an elective Caesarean is still relatively new. You will need to find an amenable obstetrician who is prepared to give you a Caesarean section at your request rather than for a medical reason.
It is, however, extremely unlikely that any obstetrician will do an elective Caesarean under a general anaesthetic. Most obstetricians prefer to operate under a regional anaesthetic, which means you will be awake. This is safer for the mother and better for the baby. A regional anaesthetic involves an injection in the lower spine. This would be an epidural and you will not feel any pain.
Comments
I totally agree with the above poster. Very little is made of the risks of a natural delivery- such as third and fourth degree tears which can cause incontinence and cause a great deal of discomfort and distress in some cases for years to come. Many women giving birth these days are older, heavier and giving birth to bigger babies and the rate of complications during a 'natural' delivery have soared! It isn't easy for a woman to know what to do for the best and biased information isn't helpful either!
It is disappointing that this website has chosen to provide a biased view of elective caesareans with incorrect information. Numerous studies have now shown that modern elective caesareans can be considered to have equivalent risks as 'natural' birth. Especially for woman over the age of 35 who are statistically less likely to have a non-medically intervented birth. Women who have elective c-secs have to be fully aware of the risks possible side-effects of choosing this method of birth. Hardly any women who opt for 'natural' birth are well versed on the risks associated with medical interventions such as use of forceps, ventouse, episiotomy and emergency c-secs and yet an alarming number of women have to have these medical interventions when 'natural' birth does not go to plan. The length of stay in hospital after an elective c-sec is not 5 days, it is on average just 2-3 days. Often as long as a natural birth when labour is added on. Yes, the mother is uncomfortable at first, but the painkillers today are very good and often a women post-elective c-sec is as mobile and able as one who has had a natural birth. Advantages such as being able to 'make arrangements' around when the baby is born are very low on most women's lists when opting for c-secs. Having a calm, controlled and safe delivery, with full knowledge that medical staff are on hand is one reason and lack of pelvic floor / vaginal injury is another commonly cited reason. I would recommend all women fully understand the 'risks and complications' associated with all types of birth before making their choice. The 'natural' is best attitude does necessarily hold true these days especially for women giving birth for the first time over 35. Just remember it is not 'natural' to be on the pill for 15-20 years. Your body is designed to give birth optimally around 15-20years old, so don't assume it will be an easy 'natural' process 20 years after that time!